Research Finds Workplace RSI Problems Routinely Ignored

According to the results of new research by Microsoft, work-related RSI, though it’s at an all-time high and costs businesses more than $600 million in lost working hours, is often ignored by companies, either through ignorance or outright neglect.

The research, based on a survey of corporate computer users and managers, found that 68 percent of office workers suffered from RSI-related aches and pains, with the most common symptoms including back ache, shoulder pain, and wrist/hand pain.

The report finds a worrying lack of knowledge about the risks of RSI, and in a rather startling finding, that 76 percent of managers were not aware of the high risk of RSI themselves, and 68 percent did nothing when employees reported problems.

John Allen, Managing Consultant at The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), believes there is much more employers can do to minimize the risk: “We are shocked that this research indicates that the number of office injuries is on the increase due to companies not taking the right actions in investing in their staff’s well being. This issue needs to be addressed and companies should start assessing the risks and investing in ergonomic solutions where they are needed.”